LAST UPDATE: MAY 23, 2022
Disclaimer:This information is collated from official sources but general in nature. Entry requirements are subject to change at any time. Keep checking for the latest advice from your local government, embassy, or consulate to confirm any visa or entry requirements before travel.
IT'S THE NEWS WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR - Australia has opened borders to fully vaccinated tourists from around the world! Read on for the latest updates.
AM I ALLOWED TO TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA?
ENTERING AUSTRALIA
Allvalidvisa holders who have been fully-vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by the TGA (i.e.AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) allowed to enter Australia from April 18, 2022 without needing to provide a negative pre-departure test result.
Travellers will need to show evidence of full vaccination, but otherwise it'll be straightforward to enter with no quarantine or testing required! For more information on requirements for unvaccinated travellers, visit: https://www.australia.gov.au/travelling-to-australia
We are so excited to be back running our Oz Intro and Oz Adventure small group tours!
VISA REQUIREMENTS
To enter Australia on a tourist visa, you can apply for the eVisitor Visa (651) or Tourist Stream (600) depending on your nationality.
If you're ready to embark on an Aussie working holiday, the good news is you can apply now for either a Working Holiday visa (417) or Work and Holiday visa (462 ), depending on where your passport is from.Due to the backlog of visas, the processing time is longer than normal, so be patient!
And there's more good news! In a bid to encourage backpackers to head Down Under, for a very limited time Australia’s government will be waiving the WHV visa fee. All visa application fees will be rebated, but you have to enter Australia within 12 weeks (by April 19 2022). Our first two Oz Intro tours on April 4th and April 18th are within the 12 week timeframe for these free Working Holiday Visas! If you are travelling on these start dates and already have a WHV organised through us, you will be eligible for the free visa. And if you’re thinking about joining us on a working holiday or already have an open-dated booking and want to take advantage of this incredible offer, get in touch ASAP as spots are filling fast. Find out more on our update blog here .
Travellers to Australia should also complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before departure.
NEGATIVE COVID RESULT
Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide a negative pre-departure test result.For more information on testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers, visit: https://www.australia.gov.au/travelling-to-australia
DO I NEED A VACCINE?
Yes. To travel to Australia as a visa holder it will be mandatory to be fully-vaxxed against Covid-19with a vaccine recognised by the TGA (i.e.AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson).Unvaccinated visa holders will need to be in an exempt category or hold an individual travel exemption to enter Australia.
PROOF OF INSURANCE
Travel insurance is not necessary but highly recommended for all visitors.
QUARANTINE
Fully vaccinated visa holders will be able to travel to Australia without a travel exemption or needing to quarantine. Find out more on the government website.
COVID TRACKING
None.
RESTRICTIONS & OPEN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Masks must be worn on all flights, including in airports, and most public transport. Restrictions on mask wearing, open businesses and tourist attractions varies across states, but now that Australia isat an average of over 90% double vaccinated, most things are open.
RETURNING HOME
Each country has different restrictions for travellers arriving from abroad.For information relevant to your situation, keep up to date with local government announcements.
In the UK, international travel restrictions apply under a simplified two-tier system from October 2021. The good news is that Australia is good to travel! Find out more about UK travel restrictions here.
BOTTOM LINE: Start packing your bags, folks. Australia is open and our Oz Intro and Oz Adventure group tours are running!
Travelling Australia is an epic adventure, and joining one of our group tours in Australia once it reopens is the best way to experience it! Whether you're on a short holiday, travelling on a gap year or anything in between, on our Oz trips we'll show you the best of this extraordinary country with a new bunch of friends.
NOTE: This information is general and restrictions are subject to change, so keepin touch with the latest official advice from your local government and Australian authorities.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL AUSTRALIA?
Massive and diverse, it's always a good time to go backpacking in Australia! It is a whole continent, after all. In the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. This means that English and American winter is Aussie summer, making it the perfect time to being your travel and beat the cold at home.
The coastal areas of NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and the southern part of Western Australia have temperate climates that make summer the perfect time to experience Australia’s lovely warm weather. Even if you travel Australia in winter, most regions don't experience very cold temperatures. It rarely gets below 0°Cunless you are at the snow.
Queensland, Northern Australia, and the northern part of Western Australia are home to tropical climates that experience a rainy and dry season, much like Asia. The dry season runs during the winter from May to October. But don't let “winter” fool you, these climates remain fairly warm year round. Read more about visiting Australia in the off season here .
The outback of Australia is a desert climate that has hot days and cool nights. To make the most of Aussie weather, consider starting your journey in an area that is in peak season (i.e. Sydney or Melbourne in summer), then travelling around as the seasons change.
WHY VISIT AUSTRALIA?
It may be a long haul flight away, but experiencing the beauty, diversity and laid-back lifestyle that Australia is known for is 100% worth the journey. From fabulous sightseeing to unique wildlife encounters, there's nothing you can't do when backpacking in Australia.
EXPLORE SYDNEY
Famous for its Harbour Bridge, Opera House and dazzling beaches, Australia's biggest city needs months to explore fully. Whatever your Australia travel itinerary, make sure Sydney is on it for at LEAST a few days. Grab an early morning coffee in Bondi before a yoga class, catch the iconic ferry to Manly for some beach time and fish n' chips, road trip to the Blue Mountains for epic views, indulge in the best multicultural cuisine in Chinatown, learn to surf like a local, drink craft beer in the trendy inner-west, end your night at a rooftop bar in the city centre.... the list of things to do is remarkably long in this shimmering harbour city.
EXPERIENCE WONDERS OF NATURE
A country so big has to include plenty of natural marvels, right? Right. From the magnificent Great Barrier Reef to the harsh beauty of the outback, there are countless sights worth seeing at least once in your lifetime. Apart from the usual highlights, some other spots to put on your Australia travel bucket list include the Bungle Bungles in West Australia, Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, Kakadu in the Northern Territory, Ningaloo Reef in West Australia, the Snowy Mountains in NSW, and the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
ADOPT THE ULTIMATE LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE
Australians are welcoming, culturally diverse, and embrace the relaxed lifestyle that living near a coastline with fantastic weather provides, so it'san easy bet that you'll fall in love with the Aussie way of life. Imagine getting up for a morning swim, commuting amongst sunshine and clean air, working for good wage, and having abundant choices of venues and places to finish off the day with a schooner (beer).Work/life balance is key to physical and mental health, so it's no wonder that so many people choose to move to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. Check out our Australia work and travel packages here to start planning your own adventure!
MEET FURRY LOCALS
From whale watching to cuddling koalas, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with Australia's iconic wildlife. Most Aussie animals are endemic - meaning they're found nowhere else on earth - and an animal encounter is guaranteed to be a highlight of your visit. Ethical sanctuaries and wild animal spotting experiences can be found all over the country, some of our favourites include watching the penguin parade at Phillip Island and meeting the quokkas on Rottnest Island.
MELBOURNE'S PRETTY GREAT, TOO
Sydney steals a lot of attention, but if travelling around Australia we absolutely recommend visiting Melbourne. Australia's second biggest urban hub has a European flair, unbeatable coffee culture, and a booming arts and culture scene that spans from graffiti artists to symphony orchestras. Travel to Melbourne and you'll see why it's been voted the world's most liveable city, and don't forget to munch on some avocado toast. Read more about things to do in Melbourne on our blog here!
If the Land Down Under sounds like your kind of adventure, click through to check out our Australia small group tours and working holiday packages here . Dates from April 2022!
With expertly crafted itineraries, the guidance of a knowledgable group leader, full end-to-end support, and a new group of friends to make memories with, our trips are the ultimate way to discover a new country! Oh, and did we mention that all of the activities on our itineraries are included ? You heard right - everything we mention is included in the tour - no extra payments required. Travel with a group and enjoy the best of Australia, stress free.
With flexible booking policies and complete support during this uncertain time, you can be confident when booking with INTRO. Get ready to say G'day in 2022.
FAQs
When Australia will open for international travel? ›
Australia's border requirements are changing from 6 July 2022. Travellers entering or leaving Australia will not need to provide evidence of vaccination status. People entering Australia will no longer be required to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration.
Can tourists come to Australia 2022? ›From July 6 2022, the way you travel to and from Australia has changed. All travellers should be aware that: People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status. People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration.
Can anyone travel to Australia at the moment? ›All incoming travellers will need to comply with the testing and quarantine requirements of the state or territory of their arrival, and any other state or territory to which they plan to travel. Restrictions can change at any time.
Is Australia Open for tourist visa? ›Most applicants can, and do, already apply for a Visitor visa online through ImmiAccount. From 30 September 2021 (phase 1), all applicants outside Australia applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) in any stream must lodge their application online via ImmiAccount.
How much is a PCR test in Australia? ›How much does a COVID-19 test cost? If you get a PCR test at a public health facility, mobile testing centre or GP medical practice that offers bulk billing, you will not have to pay for the test. You might have to pay to see your GP if they don't offer bulk billing, but the test itself is free.
When should I get PCR test before flying? ›Many require a negative PCR test to have been carried out no more than 72 hours before a flight, but please check the government's foreign travel advice for your destination to establish their exact requirements.
How long does PCR test results take in Australia? ›Drive-through PCR testing clinics
Provide testing only, not health assessments or advice on managing symptoms. Results usually provided within 48 hours.
PCR tests cost from £49 and lateral flow tests from £24.
Can I go to Australia without a vaccine? ›Travelling to Australia
You can travel to Australia without needing to provide proof of vaccination. If you are a visa holder who is not vaccinated, you no longer need an individual travel exemption to enter Australia.
You can only apply for the Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located here. For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process.
Is AirAsia flying to Australia? ›
AirAsia has 67 flights every week to Australia. Book great deals on flights to popular cities in Australia like Perth. With our cheap fares, you will be able to fly across all of Australia and discover everything the country has to offer.
Is New Zealand Open for travel? ›Travellers and crew do not need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Please check with your airline or cruise provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand by air, we encourage you to take a rapid antigen test (RAT).
What's needed to enter Australia? ›Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country. International passenger caps have been removed for all international passenger arrivals into Australia. From July 6 2022, the way you travel to and from Australia has changed.
How much is an Australian visa? ›| Visa Type | Fee (in AUD) | Fee if you apply from within Australia (in AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Nomination Scheme Visa- subclass 186 | 4,115 | 4,115 |
| Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa- subclass 187 | 4,115 | 4,115 |
| Business Innovation and Investment Visa- subclass 188 (significant investor stream) | 8,925 | 8,925 |
The visa can be granted for up to 10 years. Stay up to 3 months each time you enter. Visa processing times are based on the age of applications finalised in a given period.
How much bank balance is required for Australian visa? ›These financial requirements for Visitor Visa Australia generally include bank statements for the past 3 months with a closing balance of at least $ 5,000 AUD per applicant, payslips, audited accounts, taxation records, or credit card limits.
Is Australia visa easy to get? ›Yes, it is easy to get an Australian tourist visa. But you have to meet the necessary requirements. What is the validity of the Australia tourist visa? The validity of the Australia tourist visa is one year (maximum).
Who is eligible for Australian visa? ›You must be below 45 years of age to be able to apply. Allows nominated skilled workers to live,work/study anywhere in nominates state/territory in Australia as permanent residents. Like the subclass 189, to be able to apply for subclass 190 you must have received an invitation to apply.
Which airlines fly to Australia at the moment? ›- Qantas.
- Virgin Australia.
- Air Canada.
- Air China.
- Air India.
- Air New Zealand.
- Air Niugini.
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Qantas, Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Jetstar all fly direct to Australia.
Will flights to Australia resume? ›
Australia's flag carrier Qantas has announced that it aims to resume international flights by the end of October 2021. The airline plans to restore international flights by the fall, as well as flights by Jetstar, the lower-priced carrier owned by the company.
Is New Zealand open to Australians? ›The international border is open and eligible travellers are now able to apply for a visa. The international border is now open.
Is Japan open for tourists? ›Passengers who have been fully vaccinated and boosted with vaccines approved by the Japanese government and who are arriving in Japan after October 11, 2022, will not require a pre-travel COVID-19 test. Please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare's website for more details.
Do I need a Covid test to enter Victoria? ›Update. From 6pm Friday 18 February, you no longer need a COVID-19 Border Entry Permit to enter Victoria. If you've already applied for a border permit, you won't need to show it. For more info about coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in Victoria visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.